A teacher critically injured during a school shooting in Oregon last week has spoken publicly for the first time about how she survived by pretending to be dead. Becky Drury, 54, described the harrowing moments when the gunman opened fire at Silver Rail Elementary School on October 15.

Drury, who suffered severe wounds including a nearly severed left hand, said she initially attempted to secure her classroom door upon spotting the assailant. “Before I could do anything more, he shot me at close range and I fell to the ground,” she said. Lying on the floor, Drury realized her left hand was nearly severed and her other arm was also badly injured. Unable to move or defend herself or others, she said she pretended to be dead in an effort to avoid further harm.

The gunman, identified as 16-year-old Griffin John, a former student at Silver Rail, used his mother’s shotgun to forcibly enter the school. Police reported that Griffin specifically targeted his former special education classroom during the attack. The shooting resulted in the deaths of three students and a volleyball coach.

Law enforcement officials continue to investigate the motives behind Griffin’s actions, while the community mourns the victims and supports those impacted by the tragedy. Drury’s account offers a firsthand look at the chaotic and traumatic events inside the classroom as she and others faced the deadly attack.

Hospitalized with life-threatening injuries, Drury’s survival is a testament to her quick thinking amid a devastating situation. The incident has prompted renewed discussions on school safety measures and mental health resources for students.